Dolly's testimony

Before receiving eternal life, I lived a life that was full of anger toward my upbringing, a life that was full of guilt and insecurities and a life that was busy with things that didn't really matter to me.

I remember my high school days was filled with cheerleading, band, straight A's, every club that I could imagine, basketball because it was expected of me and I was trying to live up to my parents expectations which ultimately led to many, many failures. I remember the failures causing lots of insecurities in my life and also, lots of rebellion. I remember two teachers who invited me to church and they would pick me up every single Sunday morning and make sure I went to church. At first, I only went to get out of the house that reminded me of my failures. It wasn't long before I heard about a free gift of forgiveness and I really wanted that.

Several years went by, now a college graduate and wife, I remember the very day that I received the free gift that had been offered to me.

The forgiveness that poured over me and I no longer lived a life full of failure and disappointments and the shame that comes with that. I knew that all the sins before Christ entered my life and all the sins that I will continue to make had been forgiving. The peace and joy that I now experience is so much better than the life of rebellion and busyness that was before.

The best way that I can explain this is through a life experience with my oldest son. He was five years old when he was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes which was a 'sentence' of shots for the rest of his life. I remember 2 very important moments that happened. 1. His doctor told us the first day that we were in for a hard time with shots because it took 5 people to hold him down for his first shot at the hospital. I immediately went to our Lord in prayer and to our church family for prayer - the prayer was not for healing but for peace. The next morning, the doctor was shocked that Andy took the shot like a pro. 2. God illustrated for me as I was feeling sorry for myself and my son because of the many shots, that His son took nails for me and that a few needles was nothing. I was reminded that everytime Andy took a shot, my sins were forgiving and that nothing, nothing could separate me from God.

The absolute best thing about the peace, forgiveness and joy that I now feel, is I know for certain that the day I die, I will spend the rest of my life with my Lord who provided the peace, forgiveness, love and joy that I experience every day.